Fastest Atlantic Crossing by a USV
The fastest Atlantic crossing by an autonomous vehicle, and the first vehicle to cross the Atlantic in both directions.
The Problem
SD-1021 arrived in the United Kingdom from Bermuda in August 2019 after 75 days at sea, setting a record for the fastest Atlantic crossing by an uncrewed vehicle. On its return trip, SD-1021 took the direct northern route, sailing predominantly upwind and against the current, completing the 3,402-nautical mile passage in just 68 days and becoming the first unmanned technology to transit in both directions across the Atlantic.
Outcome
SD-1021 recorded current strength and direction in the North Atlantic, collected metocean data related to climate science, and demonstrated the endurance and reliability of the Saildrone platform.
“The endurance, reliability, and scientific measurement capabilities of the Saildrone platform continue to grow from strength to strength. During 2019, our saildrones have circumnavigated Antarctica, spent 700 days in the Arctic sampling the retreating ice edge, completed our first survey of the North Sea, and now crossed the hostile North Atlantic in both directions. There is no part of the [unfrozen] ocean that we cannot now measure.”
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